asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to people who are unable to get certificates of unfitness for work because their local dispensary doctor is ill and neighbouring dispensary doctors refuse to grant such certificates; and what arrangements he proposes to make to ensure that these people get their certificates without delay or inconvenience.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unfitness for Work Certificates.
6.
If an insured person is unable to obtain a medical certificate alternative evidence of incapacity such as a note from a person of standing in the community is acceptable for disability benefit purposes. Insured persons who are unable to obtain medical certificates in the circumstances stated by the Deputy have been informed accordingly.
What does the Minister mean by a person of substantial means—is that what he said?
No, a person of standing.
What does he mean by "a person of standing"?
I mean a garda, an assistance officer, a shopkeeper, a clergyman or any responsible person.
Would a TD be included in that?
It depends on which side of the House he sits.
The public representative would be approached more than anybody else. They do not appeal to the local shopkeeper.
I think a TD would be such a person.
And a Senator?
(Interruptions.)
Is the Minister aware that within the past fortnight this situation developed in Limerick and unfortunate people were thrown out without any regard for their existence? The manager of the local employment exchange, on being contacted, got on to the Department and got this type of answer to satisfy me, on my request, but how can it be that a person can come to me and tell me he is suffering from dermatitis or arthritis or lumbago or anything else and all I have to do is sign a piece of paper and this man is paid. Is this the type of administration that this Department uses to try to break down negotiations that are going on between the medical union and the managers' association?
I do not know whether the Deputy is trying to further a particular claim or whether he is acting in the interests of the people claiming disability benefit but it appears quite clear from his supplementary question that what the Deputy wants is to use claimants for disability benefit as pawns in a particular dispute.
I have not got the Minister's habits.
That is Bolandese.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply——
Question No. 7. There are 176 questions on the Order Paper. Would Deputies try to co-operate and allow other Deputies to receive their answers?
We will all cooperate but, when we get arrogance from one side, they will get arrogance in return. As a matter of fact, I intend to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
Hear, hear.